Damen's stony determination not to rise to the bait helped blunt the edges of Laurent's temper a little. Damen was trying, at least, even if he was an idiot.

"You might try not fighting for my affections," Laurent snapped, though at least his tone was only vinegar, not venom. "And you clearly did believe such betrayal. Am I to suffer this indignation every time I dare to speak warmly to anyone other than yourself? If I smile at a peasant girl, which one of us will you have whipped?"